Plans are fully underway to place more “Bears in the Air” into the hands of ailing children in the month ahead with the launch tomorrow night of the 6th Annual Bears in the Air Kick-Off Party at South Bend International Airport.
Tomorrow night, Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6:00 – 9:00pm the event is open to the public for those 21 years of age and up. Admission is $15 per person, and that fee will provide a teddy bear to children in area hospitals to offer companionship and smiles during a difficult time while also providing funds to veterans at the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center.
Over 400 expected attendees will mingle inside the terminal enjoying music, hors d’oeuvres and one complimentary beverage from the cash bar. All attendees will be entered into a drawing for door prizes from local businesses to include dinner certificates, overnight hotel stays, tickets to sporting events, golf and more. Roundtrip airfare certificates from Allegiant Travel Company, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines round out the door prize offerings.
Mike Daigle is Executive Director of the South Bend Regional Airport — or SBN for short. He says, “I am confident that the generosity of our donors will make our sixth year the best yet.” Daigle adds, “Bears in the Air brings our community closer together. Collectively, we not only bring a sense of comfort to the youth but also impact the lives of those who have graciously served our country.”
For those unable to attend the party, a “Bear Den” inside the terminal has been created to collect newly purchased teddy bears through December 18, 2017. Travelers along with the general public are invited to donate a newly purchased teddy bear. Teddy bears are also available for purchase in the airport’s gift shop.
The program has provided more than 5,000 teddy bears to children in area hospitals, including Lakeland Health in St. Joseph, as well as another $29,000 to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center in downtown South Bend. This year’s goal is to provide 1,750 bears and also an increased monetary donation to the Veteran’s Center.
South Bend International Airport’s three air carriers provide nonstop flights to ten cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York City/Newark, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix/Mesa, and Tampa/St. Petersburg with connections world-wide. South Bend International’s multi-modal terminal serves over one million air, rail and bus passengers each year. According to the 2012 Economic Impact Report from the Aviation Authority of Indiana, South Bend International’s total annual economic impact on South Bend and surrounding communities was in excess of $1.7 billion.
For additional information, you can go to www.FlySBN.com or get social with SBN on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FlySBN), Twitter (@SBNairport) or Instagram (@SBNairport) to stay informed about the airport and the carriers that serve the Michiana region.
